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Collected Stack of
Early Wooden
Plates
New England, ca. 18th to early 19th century.
A visually compelling selection of five early wooden plates (four plates and one trencher), each with strong individual surfaces, forms, and character, collectively offering an intriguing sculptural-like presence.
The smallest, and likely the earliest, measures just 5 inches, shrunken well out of round and scarce in retaining its original dry red paint (with paint loss-or-remnants of an old paper label-hard to tell). The largest, a trencher, about 9 inches across with a half inch of shrinkage across the grain, anchors the group (it retains a partial paper label with family name information that may be researchable).
While each piece has merit, the carefully selected stack enhances their impact—an evocative grouping that would display beautifully on a candlestand, side table, or in a collection of early treen.
Crisp Three-Finger
Shaker Box
in Original Red
.....sale pending
Probably Northeast, ca. mid-19th century.
Original deep red paint (tending toward an oxblood color) and very thin over-varnish on pine top and bottom and maple side walls. Classic form, oval, with three well-cut swallowtail fingers secured by gorgeous patinated copper nails, cleated on the inside, with the side-walls joined to top and bottom with square wooden pegs.
Structurally perfect, sits square and the lid still fits exactly. The red paint with full even coverage with expected burnishing on the edges. Minor scattered bits of white paint.
About 8 inches long x 5 1/2 wide x 2 3/4 tall. A terrific example.
Unique Candle Box
with Side Sconce
.....SOLD
New England, ca. early 19th century. With two centuries of untouched character.
Original very dry and patinated sage-green/gray paint on pine, with rich natural patina on the unpainted area. I’ve never seen this form before. A sliding lid candle box is mounted, via nailed on backboard and bottom board, to a side extension to hold a sconce or candlestick. The box retains an early and scarce little tin sconce that fits perfectly.
Lightweight and intended to hang (the hanger has been lost) or rest on a horizontal surface. Small size at just 10 ¼ inches tall x 8 ¾ wide x 3 ¼ deep.
Dramatic
Portrait Miniature
New England, ca. 1820-1830. Watercolor on paper.
The folk art portrait shows the fashionably dressed gentleman in three-quarter length profile, with unusual foliage representations about the perimeter that add drama and interest.
Presented in a period frame that is likely original despite later nails securing the carved backboard. Frame size about 6 ¾ inches x 5 ¼.
Carved Wallbox
New England, ca. 1800.
Natural varnish and dark stain on very thin and lightweight pine stock. Carefully and extensively decoratively carved. The open well on the front is deeply notched on both sides, suggesting that it held clay pipes are other lighting-spills horizontally. Square nail joinery.
The back retains an old label that reads: “Rare Hanging Wallbox/Connecticut River Valley/18th century. This piece represents the lighter “Hepplewhite” aesthetic from the late 18th into the early 19th century.
About 14 ½ inches x 8 ¼. From a long time New England collection.
IF YOU LIKE SURFACE?!
Pure Little Country Gameboard
.....SOLD
Probably New England, ca. 1820-1860.
Original black and golden/mustard paint on white pine. The dry painted surface gorgeously patinated and crackled. The picture-frame molding applied with “square” nails. Untouched. So pure that it has never even been fitted with a hanger. Just about 12 ¼ inches square, and 1 inch thick. Feels good in hand. A charming pure Americana survivor.
The harmony of that surface and small size make it special.
Remarkable Carved
Presentation Case/ Watch Hutch
.....SOLD
Probably Northeast, possibly Hudson River Valley to New Jersey, ca. 18th to early 19th century.
Original black paint and thin crackled varnish on a hardwood that appears to be maple. Skillfully and profusely chip carved, tapered and canted. It is punctuated with pinwheels, hearts, half-round “sunburst” drops or hangers, as well as being footed or finialed depending upon the orientation. The front board attached via tiny wooden pegs. The hearts, combined with the effort taken to create such a piece, along with the initials “I.R.” carved into the front, indicate this case was made as a special gift for an event like engagement or wedding.
Although likely intended to display a watch, alternatively this case or “hutch” may have been crafted to display a medal, portrait miniature, jewelry, or even a miniature textile. Whatever the intention it was important to them.
Intriguingly, although this piece at first view one would expect to stand with the broader end of the taper down, in that orientation it rests on the half-round sunburst which drops further than the back feet, so the back feet would have had no use. Also in that orientation the initial “R” would be upside down. Further, the hanging hole of the broader end clearly shows wear from being used… So, I believe that although it has undoubtedly stood for maybe much of its life with the broad end down, it was originally made to hang with the broad end at the top. Either way, hung or standing, it is outstanding. I have shown it both ways in the images.
Exceptional condition, no damage, robust and hefty. About 5 ½ inches tall x 3 wide x 2 deep.
Early Painted
Tabletop Lighting Stand.
Rare Octagonal Base
.....SOLD
New England, ca. 18th century.
Skillfully turned from what appears to be chestnut, retaining the original very dry brown paint, the color presenting as reddish-brown in sunlight. The design features a rare form-slightly domed-octagonal base-the facets with “lambs tongue” crests. The base supports a baluster-turned lower section leading to hand-cut threads to allow raising and lowering the candle arm. The two-light candle arm echoes the baluster-turning on the column. Interesting to note that the figure (rings) of the wood are remarkably tight together due to the wood being from an old-growth tree having grown very slowly.
At just 21 inches tall, this lighting stand was not for the floor, rather would have been carried from room to room and placed on a table or chest. Terrific condition. Provenance includes Sam Forsythe and a private Midwest collection.